The Deschutes River flows through downtown Bend, creating endless opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and floating in the heart of the city. Residents enjoy over 300 days of sunshine annually while exploring 300 miles of mountain biking trails, skiing at Mount Bachelor, or rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park. The Old Mill District buzzes with shopping and entertainment along the river, while Drake Park hosts concerts and community gatherings. The city's renowned craft beer scene includes numerous local breweries, complemented by standout restaurants like Ariana, serving Pacific Northwest cuisine, and Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails, featuring Cajun flavors.
The Bend housing market features diverse options across distinct neighborhoods. Old Bend commands a median single-family home price of $925,000, while River West reaches $1,125,000. Summit West and Awbrey Butte represent the luxury market with median single-family prices of $1,367,500 and $1,362,500 respectively. More moderate options exist in Mountain View at $593,500 and the Old Farm District at $649,900. Condominiums provide entry points with median prices of $343,500 for one bedroom and $452,500 for two bedrooms.
Property taxes in Deschutes County sit at 0.62%, comparable to nearby Redmond and slightly lower than Prineville at 0.64%. Oregon has no sales tax but maintains an 8.75% state income tax. The education system includes highly rated public schools like Highland Magnet School and Cascade Middle School, plus private options such as Seven Peaks School, rated A plus. Oregon State University's Cascades Campus provides higher education opportunities. Major employers include St. Charles Health System, tourism companies, and technology firms, with commuting made convenient through Cascades East Transit bus service and extensive bike paths.
